James’ Brand New Blog

#lndont history mystery: When did McCormicks open in 1914?

Girls & young women at work in the old McCormicks plant c. 1915. The classic Henry (Harry) G. Hines image is reproduced in Alan Noon’s magisterial East of Adelaide.

Now here is a question which has stumped our panel of JBNBlog #ldnont history mystery judges: When did McCormicks open its famous plant here in 1914? For the usual prizes, and a big hug, pls. let me know soonest.

6 comments

That date is a mystery to me . . . but we will keep searching. Meanwhile, here is a Fragment for the next edition . . . Loretta Lynn played the RBC Theatre at the John Labatt Centre before 2,800 fans on Nov. 11, 2003.

Thanks for nailing down when Loretta Lynn played in London.
With the launching of Father John Comiskey’s “My Heart’s Best Wishes for You: A Biography of Archbishop John Walsh,” the 2nd bishop of the diocese of London, I’ve picked up two more entries for a future supplement of “Fragments.”
After returning from Ireland after a two-month absence from London, Walsh was greeted by an estimated crowd of 3,000 in a city having a total of some 20,400 inhabitants. (This would be like having some 54,000 showing up at the railway station in London today!) Among the well wishers was the band of the Seventh Fusileers. A stream of fireworks were also set off.
On Nov. 9, 1885, a meeting of Irish citizens was held in London to discuss the Irish problem as Westminster debated Home Rule.
One of the members of the executive of The London & Middlesex Historical Society has a large photograph of the Jubilee Roller Rink. She thinks the rink existed in London in the 1890s, but, so far we can’t find any reference to it in the city of London directories. Perhaps a follower of your blog might be able to shed some light on this.

Just wondering how accurate are the dates on the Fire Insurance Maps (online at UWO) ?? The 1892 map updated as of 1907 shows both the McCormick Plant and the Ruggles Truck Plant, and lists Kelloggs as ‘The Battle Creek Health Food Co.’ I don’t think Ruggles was there until 1921/1922. Were this maps produced for insurance companies?? or were they used by the Fire Dept. ??

The McCormick Manufacturing Company was still in the southwest cor. of Dundas & Wellington streets in 1912.
Kelloggs was indeed known earlier as the Battle Creek Health Food Co. It came to London in 1907 as the Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company and was on the nw cor. of Grey and Adelaide streets. Either the Western Archives or the London Room staff might help you with your queries.

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About James Reaney

James Reaney has covered everything from operas to Neil Young concerts to baseball's World Series in more than 30 years at The London Free Press. Now, he concentrates on London entertainment in his Saturday Today section column and Forest City lore in a Saturday Comment section column called My London. He is the host of two weekly video. lfpress.com features. One is Reaney's Pick, an online platform for London performers. The other is It's On, a guide to the best of the local scene.

James is a passionate supporter of the Jack Richardson Music Awards, which host an annual gala and other free events in London's only not-for-profit recognition of our musical excellence. He is also on the board of the King's University College Centre for Creativity and an active member of the London & Middlesex Historical Society.

James Reaney has covered everything from operas to Neil Young concerts to baseball's World Series in more than 25 years at The London Free Press. How, he concentrates on London entertainment in his Saturday Today section column and Forest City lore in Thursday's My London column on Page A2. He is the host of two weekly lfpress.com videos, Reaney's Pick, a one-take vehicle for London performers, and It's On, a guide to the best of the local scene.

James is a member of the Jack Richardson Music Awards steering committee, helping to bring about an annual gala and other free events in London's only not-for-profit recognition of our musical excellence. He is also on the board of the King's University College Centre for Creativity and an active member of the London and Middlesex Historical Society.